REDDERSBURG - A prompt response by Reddersburg police, in collaboration with community patrols and assistance from neighboring police units, resulted in the arrest of two suspects during an attempted business burglary.

According to South African Police Service, the initial alert came late on the night of March 16, 2024, when a retail store manager reported an alarm activation at his business. Officers arrived swiftly but found the suspects had already left, with no immediate signs of theft. However, the situation escalated in the early hours of March 17, when further suspicious activity was detected within the same establishment. The quick communication between the store manager and police led to an immediate and coordinated response.

The collaborative effort included Reddersburg police, local neighborhood watch members, and officers from the adjacent Edenburg station. Their strategy to encircle the premises proved effective when one suspect attempted an escape through the roof but was promptly apprehended. The search inside the building led to the discovery of another individual concealed within the ceiling structure. Notably, the officers found explosives placed near the store's safe, prompting the intervention of the specialized SAPS explosives unit to secure the scene.

The two apprehended individuals, aged 23 and 24, face charges of business burglary and violations of the Immigration Act. They are scheduled for an upcoming appearance at the Reddersburg Magistrate's Court.

This incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and inter-agency cooperation in preventing and responding to criminal activities, reflecting the commitment of local law enforcement to maintaining public safety and securing commercial assets.